metal detector

American  

noun

metal detectors plural

1. an electronic device for detecting the presence of metal objects, as one used as a portable sweeping unit or one emplaced in an archway at an airport terminal to detect concealed weapons, explosives, etc.

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metal detector British  

noun

1. a device that gives an audible or visual signal when its search head comes close to a metallic object embedded in food, buried in the ground, etc

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• metal detectors
  plural

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

metal detector

Two years earlier, the FAA had begun to require that all carry-on luggage be X-rayed for weapons and passengers be scanned by a metal detector.

From Slate ● Jul. 7, 2026

There was also the sound of a generator, which would require a permit, a check-in table, a metal detector and a temporary wall with branding, Sterling said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 6, 2026

"And I was hooked on what they were showing me, so I decided I was going to get a metal detector."

From BBC ● Dec. 27, 2025

Passing through the building’s security, one woman set off a metal detector with her hip, another with her knees.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 1, 2025

One of our favorite things to do after a storm was to head to the beach to see what we could find, because a hard rain helps the metal detector pick up signals.

From "Shouting at the Rain" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt